Lake Placid Skate Event Raises $26K for Cancer Travel Fund

When cancer treatment requires traveling hundreds of miles from home, the cost of gas, hotels, and meals can become overwhelming for families already facing medical bills. That's exactly why skaters took to the ice in Lake Placid on February 21, raising $26,152 to help cancer patients focus on healing instead of finances.

The annual Sk8 to Elimin8 Cancer event took place at the James C. Sheffield Speed Skating Oval, a fitting venue for a community coming together at speed to support their neighbors. The funds will benefit the Merrill Oncology Travel Fund at Adirondack Health and the Scott Hamilton CARES Foundation, which supports cancer research nationwide.

Michael DeYear knows firsthand what this support means. The cancer survivor spoke at the event about his journey through treatment that started locally but required travel to Plattsburgh for radiation and eventually to Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore for advanced care.

"Adirondack Health never hesitated to find the right team for me," DeYear said. "When I needed something beyond what was available locally, they made sure I got there."

The Merrill Oncology Travel Fund covered his transportation costs, allowing Michael and his wife Janet to concentrate entirely on his recovery. Through multiple facilities and treatment protocols, the local oncology team remained their constant support system.

DeYear has been cancer free since 2019. He returned to Lake Placid not as a patient, but as proof that accessible care saves lives.

The Ripple Effect

The event brought together Olympic medalist Paul Wylie, local health officials, and community members who understand that cancer treatment often happens far from home. Rural patients face unique challenges accessing specialized oncology care, sometimes traveling hours each way for appointments that stretch across weeks or months.

Every dollar raised removes one barrier between a patient and their best chance at survival. Families can say yes to clinical trials, specialist consultations, and cutting edge treatments without calculating gas money or hotel costs first.

"I'm grateful because support like the Merrill Oncology Center Travel Fund gives people access to the care they need," DeYear said.

The Lake Placid community proved once again that small towns create big impact when they show up for their neighbors.